The announcement that the second series of HBO fantasy series will again shoot in Northern Ireland has boosted the local economy, enabling Acapple Construction to hire apprentices to help build the new film sets. Work has already begun with Acapple Construction at Belfast’s Paint Hall Studios.
The work is part of a partnership between the Department for Employment and Learning and Belfast City Council to enhance employment, training and skills opportunities through its Titanic Quarter Work Group. The apprentices will not only gain practical plastering skills but will also be taught how to carry out specialist work around moulding and fiberous plastering.
Belfast Mayor Niall O’Donnghaile and Employment and Learning Minister Dr. Stephen Farry congratulated the first apprentices who began work yesterday. Speaking at the Paint Hall studios Belfast O’Donnghaile said “This is an excellent example of co-operation between Belfast City Council and the Department for Employment and Learning. This approach ensures employment opportunities for local communities and I am looking forward to hearing about more opportunities as they arise. I would like to congratulate all involved and wish the apprentices well in their new jobs.”
The Titanic Quarter Work Group Action Plan was launched in April 2011 and has committed to assisting apprentices into employment. ‘Game of Thrones’ has been funded by Northern Ireland Screen, supported by Invest NI and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The first season was filmed in Northern Ireland and spent an estimated $33 million while there. The second season will commence filming this summer. Based on George R.R. Martin’s novels, the series has potential for several more installments.
